How to soften cotton?

[LibrasBiscuitsOfFortune]

I bought a dress 3 years ago, its' quite nice and easy to throw on with flip-flops but I have never worn it as I find the cotton too stiff. Does anyone know any method to soften the cotton up? Should I just wash repeatedly?

Should I post this in good housekeeping?

TIA.

Fabric conditioner, lenor, etc.

white vinegar in the wash and the rinse cycle.

Sorry I forgot to say thank you to the posters. I found a method on the internet which said to soak the material in a bucket with fabric conditioner. Which I did and it has helped a bit.